ROQUES
Roques
Origin and Meaning: The surname Roques is of French origin, deriving from the word "roque" meaning 'rock' or 'rocky'. It is believed to have been brought to England by French Huguenot immigrants in the 16th and 17th centuries.
Distribution: The surname Roques is found predominantly in southern England, with higher concentrations in areas with historical Huguenot settlements such as London, Kent, and Sussex.
Notable Individuals:
- Pierre Roques (1838–1918) – A French-born artist who gained recognition for his landscape paintings in England.
- Emma Roques (b. 1975) – A British actress known for her performances in various West End theatre productions.
Variants: Variants of the surname Roques include Roque, Rock, and Roquefort. Over time, variations in spelling and pronunciation may have led to different branches of the family adopting slightly altered surnames.
Coat of Arms: The Roques family does not have an officially recognised coat of arms, as the use of heraldry and coats of arms in England is regulated by official bodies such as the College of Arms. However, individual families may have created their own coats of arms to represent their lineage and history.
Legacy: The surname Roques, like many Huguenot surnames, signifies the enduring influence of French migration and culture on British society. Families bearing this surname have contributed to various fields such as art, literature, and business, leaving a lasting legacy in the historical tapestry of England.
There are approximately 94 people named Roques in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around one in a million people in Britain are named Roques.
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Anthony
- Jeremy
- Joel
- Joseph
- Stephen
Female
- Anne
- Grace
- Jacqueline
- Philippa
- Sarah